The annual event, in conjunction with the American Library Association's Banned Books Week, will feature daily readings from books that have been banned or challenged in libraries. Readers include faculty, staff and students from all the sponsoring organizations.

Readings will be daily from noon to 1 p.m. in the Free Speech Zone at Bosco Student Plaza and are free and open to the public.

"The American Library Association holds Banned Books Week each year in the fall to celebrate the freedom to read and the importance of the First Amendment," said Daniel Ireton, assistant professor and undergraduate and community services librarian at K-State Libraries. "We've collaborated with the English department and Sigma Tau Delta for the last several years on this event. It's a natural partnership between people who are passionate about the value of reading."

Readings will be drawn from the list of most frequently banned and challenged books during the last decade. Selections are expected from works such as "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian," "The Glass Castle," "The Kite Runner," and the children's book, "And Tango Makes Three." Readers will read aloud in 15-minute shifts.

Students, faculty and other community members further interested in censorship's impact on education are welcome to attend the panel discussion, "Banned Books: A Conversation about Censorship," at 4 p.m.Tuesday, Sept. 24, in the Student Union Little Theatre. Panelists will include Ireton, K-State Libraries; Lucas Loughmiller, USD 383; Joe Sutliff Sanders, K-State English department; and Rachel Smith, Sigma Tau Delta.

A current popular film based on a book by Stephen Chbosky frequently banned or challenged in the last decade will be shown by Manhattan Public LibrarySunday, Sept. 22, in the Manhattan Public Library Auditorium. Rated PG-13, children under 13 must have an adult accompanying. Attendees are welcome to stay afterward for a discussion of the film and banned books.

Questions about any of the Banned Books Week events may be directed to Ireton.